Rocky in the Homecoming Parade.
Rocky, Mascot

Did You Know?

Western's Rocky, the bulldog mascot, had his start in 1958 when a live four-legged English Bulldog, purchased by student government, was marched throughout the football stadium during home games. He was named “Colonel Rock” in honor of Western's legendary athletic director and coach Ray “Rock” Hanson, a Marine colonel.

Hello Western Fans! I’m Rocky, the mascot for Western Illinois University; and I want to thank all of you who have been asking questions to learn more about who I really am. I know I don’t talk very much, so I thought I would write a brief blog here about the real dog behind Rocky the mascot.

As I’m sure all of you know my favorite pastime is hanging out at WIU sporting events with you and your friends. Among my favorite things to do is hang out with some of Western’s craziest fans. Most people think I just like hanging out with the younger fans; and while I do enjoy that, I have many older fans who I consider longtime friends. So, if you’re ready to stand up and get loud at the games, then I will be as loyal to you as any dog could be.

Some of you have asked what I do when I’m not at football and basketball games, and the answer to that is EVERYTHING! When I’m not in my doghouse pumping iron to “Eye of the Tiger,” I’m making special appearances at groundbreaking ceremonies or other University and community events around Macomb. Sometimes I hang out with other mascots at professional sporting events, and I’ve even pursued a career in show business – you may have seen me in a couple of commercials!

Rocky with Young Fan.The one thing that everyone should know about me is that I’m a nice dog…
unless you are a kangaroo (from UMKC); a golden grizzly (Oakland University), a thunderbird (Southern Utah), a mastodon (IPFW), a golden eagle (Oral Roberts), the Gents or Ladies (Centenary), a jaguar (IUPUI), a jackrabbit (South Dakota State), a bison (North Dakota State), a sycamore (Indiana State), a bear (Missouri State), a Saluki (Southern Illinois), a penguin (Youngstown State) or a redbird (Illinois State)!

If you are not one of those then please come up and talk with me at a game, or even take a picture with me. I love taking pictures!

Well, I have to get back to my doghouse and finish my workout. I’ll see you out at the games…or at an event on campus or Macomb. Go Western!